In a stunning twist to a high-profile robbery case in Pune, Ambegaon Police have revealed that Abhijit Vishnu Pawar, a steel businessman believed to be the victim, is actually the mastermind behind the Rs40 lakh cash robbery.
The incident occurred on July 15, when three men in a Thar SUV attacked Pawar and snatched a bag containing Rs40 lakh in cash near Excella Plaza. The robbery, which initially appeared to be a violent theft, has now been exposed as a carefully orchestrated conspiracy.
Police have arrested:
Mangesh Dilip Dhone (Ramlinganagar, Yedshi, Dharashiv)
Pradeep Ramdas Doifode (Varad Heights, Bhugaon)
A minor accomplice from Bhugaon (detained)
Pawar, owner of Shri Ganesh Traders and Patra Depot, supplies steel and construction materials in Pune. On the day of the incident, he was carrying Rs40 lakh for goods supplied. He met his friend Dhone, who followed him while carrying the money.
When they reached Excella Plaza, two masked men arrived in a Thar SUV, snatched the bag from Dhone, and attacked Pawar, punching him in the face before fleeing toward Navale Bridge.
CCTV footage and a confidential tip led police to Doifode and the minor, from whom they recovered the Thar vehicle, five mobile phones, and Rs9.35 lakh in cash.
Upon interrogation, Dhone confessed, revealing that Pawar himself masterminded the robbery, using his trusted friend and others to stage the crime.
Inspector Sharad Zine of Ambegaon Police confirmed the arrests and said more suspects may be involved as the investigation continues.